Traveling with a backpack could be a lot of fun if you know how to pack minimally, and what to bring along the way. We traveled around the world for 7 months and can tell you from our experience which travel essentials to take with you and which to leave at home. Check what accessories we bring in our backpacks, plus the photography gear & equipment we use and recommend you. Read also our tips on how to pack more efficiently.
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Table of Contents
Backpacks We Use
A Backpack as a Carry-on
If you are traveling only with a backpack as a carry-on, then this would be your most important purchase, along with a good pair of hiking shoes. You will carry it with you everywhere, and it will keep your values safe, secure, and dry.
You should feel comfortable and happy when carrying your backpack on your back for extended periods. Therefore, it is important to choose a good one, with extra support for your back. You may spend more money now, but trust us, you will thank yourself later.
We recommend you to buy a 30 – 46 l backpack if you want to take it with you as a carry-on bag on the plane.
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
For instance, I (Dani) purchased my Osprey Porter 46 L Backpack from Amazon back in 2017. Since then, I’ve traveled to 9 countries with it. All the time, I take it with me on the plane, because it is within the measurements for most air companies.
Features of Osprey Porter 46 L Travel Backpack
- Meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (22H X 14W X 11D inches)
- Large U-zip luggage-style access to the main compartment – 46L total volume
- Shoulder straps and hip belt are converting the bag from a backpack carry to duffel-style
- Protected rear panel lockable zip laptop/tablet sleeve for quick access at security or while traveling (fits up to most 15 inch laptops)
- Front panel organization pocket for easy access to small travel items
- D-ring attachments for adding a shoulder strap (sold separately)
Source: Osprey/Amazon
In conclusion, it is 46L, big enough to put everything you need, either going camping for the weekend or traveling for 7 months. You can also fly it on aircraft as a piece of carry-on luggage. Check it online here.
Shop Osprey Backpacks on Amazon
Backpacks from Cabela’s
On the other hand, Ivan bought his awesome backpack from Cabela’s store, back in 2017. The model is Cabela’s Endicott, 45 liters. He is very satisfied with this purchase and has been actively using the backpack to travel the world.
Small Daypack | Hike Backpack
Additionally to the main backpack, we recommend you also purchasing a smaller daypack for your local explorations, or to use it as a laptop/camera bag. If you are going, for example, on a day trip, you can bring only the smaller backpack with you, instead of taking the whole luggage.
For instance, you will use it when exploring places, to put everything you may need for the day – a bottle of water, some snacks, a rain jacket, documents/purse, a camera, extra batteries, etc.
Another way is to store all of your electronics and valuables in it when flying on planes. Likewise, we always put our laptops, cameras, and external drives in our day backpacks when we’re flying.
A 20 l Day Backpack is a great size. Check some of the best-selling day backpacks on Amazon.
Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
Some of the backpacks are waterproof, water-resistant, or come with a waterproof cover in the package.
However, most of them don’t. A waterproof rain cover for your backpack is a product you should have if you consider backpacking.
For example, when we were traveling in Asia, the backpacks’ rain covers saved our bags countless times as it was occasionally raining here and there. Additionally, we used them to protect our packs from getting dirty when traveling by buses.
In conclusion, consider buying one, it’s cheap and very useful in bad weather. Plus, it doesn’t take much space.
Hiking, Training Shoes and Travel Sandals
Hiking Shoes
As I mentioned, if you plan to travel for an extended period, the second most important purchase would be a good pair of hiking shoes. They should be comfortable, light-weighted, with a steady platform, and good ankle support. Preferably, the shoes should be also waterproof.
You can find many companies on the market producing high-quality boots. Some of the names we love and recommend are Merrell, Columbia, and Salomon.
Recently, I bought new Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. I’ve been very happy with my purchase so far! On my first time wearing these boots, I hiked 15 km with them and didn’t have any problems.
Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Boots are also #1 Best Selling Women Hiking Shoes on Amazon, so if you need a pair of awesome hiking shoes, Merrell’s would be a great choice!
On the other hand, Ivan wears Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge. His boots are also waterproof, breathable, and with high-traction grip, perfect for hiking.
Training Shoes
Don’t forget to stay fit on the road. It doesn’t matter if there is a gym nearby or not, you should keep yourself busy and find ways to exercise in nature.
For this purpose, we recommend you add a pair of training running shoes in your backpack. You can use them not only for exercising and running but also for walking tours and hiking easy trails.
The second pair of shoes that you can find in both of our backpacks are Nike Running Shoes. We love them and have been using their products for several years.
Tourist Sandals
Besides hiking shoes, each one of us also got a pair of sport tourist sandals, when we were preparing for our backpacking trip in Singapore.
If you are heading to warm places, you should include a pair of tourist travel sandals in your bag. You can walk a lot with them without feeling your legs tired afterward. Moreover, your feet will breathe!
Tourist sandals are an excellent choice also for camping, fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
Sandals for Her
In June, I bought Bare Traps Women Sandals which I love. They have memory foam platform and are super comfortable for walking long distances. I also use them when I go kayaking or fishing.
Sandals for Him
Recently, Ivan purchased a pair of Blue Chaco Men’s Z1 Classic Sport Sandals. He’s been wearing them all the time in his daily life and when going outdoors – camping, fishing, hiking, etc, and he’s very satisfied with this product. Shop Chaco Men Sandals directly on Amazon, many sizes and colors available.
Travel Apparel and Tips for Packing
When packing clothes for your trip, consider three very important questions I’ve been asking myself every time:
- Do I indeed need this piece of a dress/leggings/a shirt in my bag?
- Is it suitable for the activities I plan to do?
- Can I combine it with other clothes in my backpack?
If you answered YES to these questions, then probably you should add the chosen piece in your bag.
Meanwhile, check some more dos and don’ts in packing:
Tips for Packing
– Take with you only light-weighted fabrics. Most cotton clothes are heavy and dry slower, so avoid them. Avoid any leather apparel because it’s heavy.
– Choose bottoms that can be easily combined with all of your tops, and vice versa. We advise you to avoid jeans and recommend you bring leggings and sport types of pants. I love dresses too!
– Bring at least one long-sleeved blouse for cold days and nights. Consider also taking a rainproof jacket.
– Again, don’t pack too many clothes. Probably, you won’t wear them all. Trust me on this! You may want to buy clothes from the place you’re visiting, so leave some space in your bag for purchases along the road.
As a general rule, bring two of each kind and you’ll be just fine. For example, pack 2 t-shirts, 2 tops (or 4-5 shirts), 2 pairs of leggings, 2 dresses, 2 multi-use pants, etc.
– Use packing cubes and vacuum bags to free some space in your bag, and to organize your luggage.
– Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This way, you’ll save more space in your backpack or suitcase.
Try to travel minimally
We washed our clothes in the hostels or used local public laundry services every week. This way, we traveled with a minimal amount of apparel that could be easily combined and even washed together. Try to do the same when backpacking for extended periods.
Rainproof Light Jacket
If you are heading to a destination that has a usual amount of rain, a rainproof lighted jacket is must-have apparel in your backpack. It will save you when it is raining, plus you can use it on cold nights out, or hikes in mountains.
I’ve been using Salomon Women Waterproof Jacket since the spring of 2019. Ivan, on the other hand, wears a waterproof Peter Storm jacket, purchased from Scotland.
Waterproof Rain Over Pants
Waterproof rain over pants is the ones you put over your main trousers when it’s raining, to protect yourself from getting wet.
These pants are great for hikes and walk in nature, and don’t take much space in your backpack.
Whether you need a pair for yourself depends where you are heading and what you’ll do there.
For instance, we didn’t have rainproof pants when we traveled around the world. I see it now as a mistake because we would use them the few times we were hiking and it was pouring from the sky.
In 2019, we found them in an outdoor store in Glasgow and decided to give it a try. Since then, we’ve been using our waterproof pants actively when we go hiking and it starts raining.
Leggings & Pants for Traveling
As I mentioned before, avoid taking jeans with you. They are heavy and dry very slowly.
Instead, take some leggings (for ladies) or travel pants. If you are heading to a warm place, a few pairs of shorts will also do the work.
However, if you are going to a destination where the temperatures are occasionally falling down, I recommend you purchasing Under Armour Leggings. I’ve been using their products for several years and I am very satisfied with the quality of the apparel.
Shirts, Dresses, and Tops
For our honeymoon trip, Ivan packed two t-shirts and three shirts. Additionally, he also got one long-sleeve shirt and a sweater.
I got two t-shirts, two other tops, one dress, a thermal blouse, and a sweater.
All of our tops could be combined with our bottoms.
Lingerie & Swim Wear
Each of us brought a pair of swimsuit. We were traveling minimally, otherwise, I’d take two swimsuits when going to a beach place.
Regarding the lingerie and socks numbers, each of us brought five pairs of socks and five pairs of underwear when we were backpacking. I got one sport style, plus two more t-shirt styles bras. You don’t need more than this.
Luggage Organizers & Compression Bags for Traveling
Organize Luggage with Packing Cubes
We’ve been using luggage organizers – packing cubes for a few years. They’re great for putting everything in place and store your items separately. We purchased TravelWise Packing Cube System – Durable 5 Piece Weekender Luggage Organizer Set from Amazon three years ago. It comes in 5 pieces with different sizes.
On the other hand, the Middle size organizers are perfect for packing smaller apparel and lingerie. It’s better to roll your clothes to save more space in your bag.
Additionally, the two Large size packing cubes are perfect for organizing your top apparel like shirts, dresses, and jackets.
The organizers are breathable, durable, and lightweight, perfect for backpacking.
Save Space in Your Backpack with Vacuum Compression Bags
This is one of the products we use all the time. Compression Packing Bags are perfect for traveling because they save a ton of space in your backpack/suitcase.
One way to use the bags is with a vacuum machine that removes the air from it. Another option is to find rolling travel compression bags where you simply put your clothes in it and then start rolling the bag until the air gets out. That’s the type we’ve been using when backpacking. Ivan and I organize our clothes in different packing bags, depending on where we are going.
When not traveling, we use the vacuum compression bags to store clothes at home, especially the winter ones which, otherwise, take much more space in our closet.
Travel Cosmetics, Essential Oils & Medicine
Bath Time - Products We Use While Traveling
- Dry Shampoo Nuts This is a dry shampoo made from nuts. You simply mix some of it with water and you’ll have a creamy mixture for your hair. It doesn’t take much space in your bag + it’s an Eco-friendly product.
- Solid Shampoo Bars We love them! Dry Shampoo Bars are solid pieces that don’t take much space and last long. You can use them for the whole body and don’t need to worry about the requirement for liquids in your carry-on. Explore some cool companies producing shampoo bars.
- Shampoo and a Conditioner in 100 ml containers When we travel with a carry on only, we use our reusable 100 ml plastic travel bottles to pour in them some shampoo, a conditioner, and face cream for our trips. That way, we can use them immediately after we arrive at our accommodation, and buy more cosmetics later.
- Face cream / Body Lotion Moisture is important for your skin, especially when you are visiting a hot and dry place. We always carry a travel-size body lotion or a face cream in our bag. Keep in mind, the air in planes is extremely dry, so it’s good for your face skin to apply cream before the flight.
- Toothpaste and a bamboo toothbrush Your toothpaste should be 100 ml or less, in order to take it in your backpack. The toothbrushes we use are made from bamboo, instead of plastic, and are Eco-friendly.
Microfiber towels - Save Space in Your Bag
Microfiber towels are perfect for traveling and backpacking. They are lightweight, ultra-compact, and take much less space than regular towels.
Furthermore, these towels are super absorbent, fast-drying, and antibacterial. They’re soft and hypoallergenic. Shop a pack of 3 microfiber towels at the price of one on Amazon.
Alternative Medicine from Nature - Essential Oils and More
Essential Oils
Essential Oils can be used for aromatherapy, steam inhalations, skincare, massages, natural perfumery, baths, hair care, saunas, air freshening, compresses, vaporization, chakra balancing, or to enhance shampoos, lotions, creams, and soaps.
Similarly, they take a big part in our cosmetics/medicine bundle. We use them for cosmetics purposes, massages, aromatherapy, and breathing techniques. The oils also help to heal our bodies when we have physical pain. You need to apply a drop or two of it on your skin and leave it to work its magic.
Usually, the essential oils come in small 30 ml or 10 ml bottles, a perfect size for traveling. You can easily find bundles online. Keep in mind that you don’t need to take all of your bottles with you. Choose a few that would help you and add them to your cosmetics bag.
The main oils that Ivan and I use and recommend are:
- Peppermint Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Jasmine Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
Buy and Eat Local Honey
If you are going to travel more than a few days in a new country, we recommend you buy a jar of local organic raw honey and eat a spoon or two of it every day. It is important to get honey locally because it contains the necessary ingredients that will help your body to fight against the viruses or bacterias at this place.
Honey is one of the superfoods we’ve been eating during our 7-month journey around the world. It boosts your immune system and keeps you healthy and strong.
Be advised that you can’t transport honey in your carry-on luggage, even if it’s a small jar, because it is considered an animal product. For example, we bought a jar of delicious honey from Thailand and tried to get it with us on the plane to New Zealand. Unfortunately, the officers removed it from our bag because of this.
Vitamins & Probiotics
Before going to Asia, we were taking probiotics every day for two weeks, and continue taking them for two more weeks when we landed there. If you are traveling locally, you don’t need to take probiotics. If you are heading to a far destination, different as a climate and food from yours, we advise you to take some probiotics before that.
Regarding the vitamins, Ivan doesn’t take any vitamins, only supplements of protein powder. I take vitamin C and B12 every now and then. When we were traveling for 7 months, I was taking women multivitamins which had all the necessary vitamins and minerals for my body.
Make-up when traveling
I like and have been using Maybelline Products for many years. In my backpack, you can find a black mascara, a creamy concealer, and a base foundation cream. There are a lipstick and a lip balm as well. You don’t need anything else.
As one friend told me once: “Your smile is your best makeup. But if you do want to put some, then all you need is a little bit of mascara!”
If you use makeup you know how important it is for the face skin to be cleaned daily. Add a pack of two Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing wet wipes to your backpack for easy skincare.
Eco-friendly Products for Your Backpack
Consider buying Eco-friendly and reusable products such as bamboo toothbrushes, canvas bags, and filter water bottles. Reduce the use of plastic products as much as you can, one toothbrush/ bottle/ bag at a time.
Change your plastic toothbrush with a 100 % biodegradable bamboo one and make a great impact on the environment. Plus, these toothbrushes have active charcoal-infused bristles and feel great when using them. Check them here.
Reduce the plastic bags and instead use a reusable canvas bag for multiple purposes – for shopping groceries, organizing your luggage, keeping dirty laundry separately, going to the beach, using it as a personal bag on the planes.
Reduce the use of plastic bottles + Filter your water
LifeStraw - Reusable Water Filter Bottle
If you need to buy a reusable water bottle why don’t you try LifeStraw? It is the best filtering water bottle on the market (in our opinion), and one we’ve been using while traveling around the world.
The LifeStraw bottle has a fiber membrane water filter that removes bacteria such as E. coli and parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium from lakes and streams to ensure safe, clean drinking water. It also has 2-stage activated carbon filter which reduces bad odor, chlorine, and chemicals.
We used these bottles a lot when we were backpacking in Asia and South America, especially in places where you can’t be certain of the quality of the drinking water.
The filters remove 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, and 99.99% of waterborne protozoan parasites without chemicals, iodine, or batteries.
Just pour water in your bottle, wait a few seconds, and you are all set to drink clean, filtered water right away.
LifeStraw comes in two sizes – 22 oz. or 1 liter, and in a few available colors. Shop it on Amazon.
Travel Essentials when flying on a plane
Flying on a plane could be pretty anxious and tiring.
However, there are some travel accessories that could help you to have a better experience with flights. Check the following essentials we use and recommend when flying on a plane.
A travel memory – foam pillow is a must-have accessory in your luggage if you are flying on an airplane for more than one hour. It will support your neck and head during the flight and you’ll get a much better experience. This pillow can provide extra support to protect the neck from pain when you are sitting in the seat on a plane for long time. Add a good travel pillow to your travel essentials’ list and take it with you on your next flight.
Additionally, on long flights, I also use a sleeping mask, plus a pair of earplugs if I don’t listen to music. You can easily find a bundle of a travel memory foam pillow, a sleeping mask, and earplugs online like these from Saireider and MLVOC.
Disinfecting Hand Sanitizer Gel and Wet Wipes for Traveling
Planes and airports are very dirty places, so consider taking a few packages of wet wipes in your backpack and a small hand sanitizer gel. You will use them a lot while traveling to your final destination to clean your hands, the table in front of you, the handles, etc.
With the recent news for the COVID-19 virus, you should have good protection and disinfection when flying on planes. That’s why when you’re shopping for disinfectants look for wet wipes that contain at least 70 % Ethyl Alcohol. They are more powerful against the virus than some alcohol-free wipes, for example.
The other option to clean your hands from germs while flying on a plane is to take a hand sanitizer gel up to 100 ml. Again, look for a product with at least 70 % Ethyl Alcohol in it.
Moisturizing Face Mask
The air on the airplanes is one of the driest possible. Therefore, I recommend you to take a travel-size moisturizing face mask in your carry on luggage, and to apply it on your face once you are on the plane. The mask paper sheet will hydrate your face skin and protect it from drying during the flight.
Shop Celavi Essence Facial Face Mask Paper Sheet Korea Skin Care Moisturizing 12 Pack
Good Headphones - Sony Products
Having good headphones is important when flying on a plane for a long time. You will use them to listen to music or a movie. Headphones also can be used as a noise-canceling accessory when you want to sleep in quiet. Therefore, consider taking a pair with headphones in your carry on bag.
Ivan uses Sony headphones for several years and he is very satisfied with the quality of their sound and bass.
Check the latest Sony Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Cordless Headphones. They are noise canceling, made for sports & workout. The earbuds are perfect for exercise and running. They’re sweatproof sport earphones with built-in Microphone and EXTRA BASS.
MP3 player - Sony NWWS413LM 4GB Sports Wearable MP3 Player
Except for good headphones which you would use with your phone or tablet, I also recommend you buy an MP3 Player from Sony with 4 GB Memory. I used their previous model for 5 years and I would most certainly buy the current one – Sony NWWS413LM MP3 Player. You can download and add all your favorite songs directly from your computer and listen to them later on the flight. I love also the fact that this MP3 player is waterproof and ergonomically designed for sports and exercising, plus it has extra Bass sound.
Photography & Video Equipment in our Backpacks
Sony A65 DSLR Camera
Ivan has been taking awesome shots with his Sony SLT-A65V 24.3 MP DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology and 18mm – 135mm lens since 2013. He purchased it the first time we came to Alaska.
Sony A65 Camera Features:
- 2nd Generation Translucent Mirror Technology camera
- 24.3 MP for superb detail
- 1920 x 1080 video resolution
- 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
- Ultra-fast up to 10 fps continuous shooting with Auto Focus
- World’s first OLED viewfinder
- World’s first HD Movie mode with AVCHD 60p/60i/24p
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 2359k dot Electronic viewfinder
- Built-in GP
- Source: Sony/Amazon
What will be our next camera?
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Compatible with Sony E mount lenses
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking.
- Battery Life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), Battery Life (Movie, continuous recording): Approx. 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor)
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93 percent image coverage. Focus Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Source Sony/Amazon
The Best Action Camera - GoPro HERO 7 Black
We also capture beautiful videos and images with our GoPro HERO7 Black. We bought it in 2019 from Scotland, and we’ve been using it on every trip since then.
Why should you buy one? Check GoPro HERO7 Black Features:
- Rugged + Waterproof: Share experiences you can’t capture with your phone. HERO7 Black is rugged, waterproof without a housing to 33 feet (10m) and up for any adventure
- SuperPhoto: Get brilliant photos automatically. With SuperPhoto, HERO7 Black intelligently applies HDR, local tone mapping or noise reduction to optimize your shots
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black corrects for camera shake to deliver insanely smooth footage
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time-lapse videos while you move about a scene. Increase the speed up to 30x to turn longer activities into shareable moments
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social, get HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast via the GoPro app and save footage to your SD card to check out later
- 4K60 Video + 12MP Photos: HERO7 Black shoots stunning 4K60 video and 12MP photos
- 8x Slo-Mo video: With ultra-high frame rate 1080p240 video, you can slow things down by up to 8x to relive funny, interesting or epic moments in all their glory
- Voice control: Go hands-free with 16 voice commands
- Intuitive touch screen: three main capture modes with streamlined settings make navigating easy
- Includes GoPro warranty when purchased from an authorized reseller
- Source GoPro/Amazon
The Latest from GoPro - GoPro HERO 8 Black
What is different compared to GoPro HERO7?
In October 2019, GoPro released a new model – GoPro HERO 8 Black. There aren’t many differences between the GoPro HERO 7 Black vs GoPro Hero 8 Black.
However, GoPro HERO 8 has extra features like Image & Video Stabilization using HyperSmooth 2.0, Widescreen Video, Face Detection, and Self Timer Delay.
Additionally, it has SuperPhoto with improved HDR and LiveBurst feature which allows you to record the moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot, so you can choose the best single frame you like.
There is one more new feature available in GoPro HERO8 – Night Lapse Video, which isn’t available in GoPro 7. GoPro 8 also supports Live Streaming with 1080p, whereas GoPro 7 supports 720p.
GoPro 8 has a wide variety of accessories like Frameless Mounting With Folding Fingers, Hero8 Black Mods, which will help you place the Display mod, Light Mod, etc.
Cameras Accessories for Better Photography & Videography
It is important to choose a fast-speed memory card for your camera if you want to capture high-quality photos and/or videos.
Right now, we have 2 x Sony 32 GB memory cards that we use for the Sony camera and one Micro SanDisk 64 GB memory card for the GoPro HERO7 Black camera. It comes with an adapter for an easy transfer of photos and videos to your laptop.
Extra Batteries and a Charger for GoPro HERO 7 Camera
Extra batteries for your GoPro Camera are very helpful if you plan to make a lot of photos and videos and you will be out of the hotel room for the whole day, for example. When I purchased my GoPro HERO 7, I bought a bundle with an extra battery included.
I plan also buying one more GoPro battery with a GoPro Charger included. Therefore, I would have a total of 3 batteries with my GoPro HERO 7 Camera. One could be used with the camera and 2 could be charged in the charger meanwhile. Shop number one battery charger on Amazon here.
Flexible Tripod for All of Your Cameras
You should consider buying one of these octopus-style flexible tripods for your cameras. You can use it with your phone, DSLR camera, and GoPro action camera.
The legs are flexible and can be easily attached to a variety of surfaces for a different point of view, especially for taking selfie photos. Plus, it comes with a remote control for distant shooting.
I’ve been using one of these tripods mainly with the GoPro camera and it works perfectly.
Sometimes, Ivan attaches his DSLR camera to the tripod and use it for taking landscape and night photos.
It’s and awesome photography gadget you should have in your backpack. Check it out.
Photos Source: Amazon
External Battery Power Bank
Recently, we bought a new external battery called Yelomin. The Power Bank is a solar charger with 20000mAh (can charge a few phones). It is a portable outdoor mobile power bank, perfect for traveling and backpacking. It has an external backup battery pack, dual USB 5V 1A/2A outputs, and a two led light flashlight with a compass. It is also waterproof and dustproof.
Travel Universal Adapter
If you are visiting other countries, a universal travel adapter is an accessory you don’t want to miss. From Singapore to Thailand and the USA, we’ve been using our travel adapters all the time.
Laptops & Back Up Storage
MacBook Pro 13-inch
My favorite product in my backpack is my Mac Book Pro. It is a Mid-2012 model but still going strong. Recently, Ivan changed its Hard Drive with new Solid State Drive Crucial MX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD and it’s been loading and running very fast ever since.
| This drive is compatible with desktops and laptops that accept 2.5″ 7mm SATA drives |
While traveling, we use the MacBook Pro for watching movies, back up the photos and videos we take, and later, edit the photos on the Adobe Lightroom program.
If you want an awesome laptop for your job, study, or while traveling, I recommend you to buy a MacBook Pro 13-inch Laptop. It is a perfect size laptop, with fast OS and many built-in features and programs.
Acer Chromebook R 13 Convertible Laptop and Tablet
We bought our Acer Chromebook R13 Convertible from New Zealand in 2018. Ivan and I were traveling only with the Macbook Pro and needed one more laptop for work and surfing online.
After careful research and many good reviews, I found this 32 GB Acer Chromebook 13.3 inch 2-in-1 laptop and a tablet. It could be easily converted and used in four different modes – Laptop, Display, Tent, or Pad.
As the name Chromebook says, this laptop-tablet works with Chrome OS which is very cool and easy to use. I like that it also has a built-in anti-virus system, it loads the programs and apps very fast, and it’s a very customer-oriented laptop and tablet (can use it in a vertical position as well).
Another thing I love about my Acer Chromebook R13 is that it also comes with some of the main Google Apps, including Google Play Store where I can find and download tons of games, apps, and movies.
This Acer Chromebook R13 laptop-tablet is perfect for traveling because it is very lightweight and its battery lasts 12+ hours.
External Storage for Photos & Videos
We can’t stress enough how important it is to have external storage device/s in which to keep copies of your travel content such as photos, videos, documents, etc.
Yes, there are online storage clouds for this purpose, but we still prefer to keep our photos and videos on a physical device offline as well.
Western Digital Portable External Drive
However, we’ve been using Western Digital (WD) Portable External Drives for several years now. Each one of us has one WD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive.
Additionally, we purchased a WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive two months ago, to use it for Time Machine on my MacBook (when changed the hard drive with the SSD drive).
So far, we haven’t had any problems with our Western Digital external drive storage. We’ve been carrying them all around the world and using them actively as a back up for all of our photos and videos.
Don’t forget to buy also a hard-cover carrying case to protect your external drive from moisture and dropping.
Our advice is THE MORE BACK UP, THE BETTER! We keep our photos and videos in several places and make a back up of the backup, just in case one of the copies disappear or we don’t have access to it anymore.
Keep Your Drive Separately from Your Laptop! A story for an example
An important tip regarding external hard drives from personal experience: Keep them separately from your laptop. If you are making regular backups of your laptop folders and your work (documents, photos, videos), keep the external storage in a separate bag when traveling, or in a separate place at home.
Here is a funny story:
When we were traveling and hitchhiking on South Island, New Zealand we forgot my backpack in one car. This was the bag we had kept on one place my MacBook Pro and my external hard drive with all photos and videos from our trip so far. Thank God, the person whose car we forgot the backpack at is good, and returned it to us a few hours later.
After this accident, we started keeping the laptop and the external device in separate backpacks, just in case we lose one of the devices!
Travel Accessories under $20
Final Thoughts - Travel Minimally & Use Eco-friendly Products
These are some of the travel essentials, accessories, and photography gear we have in our backpacks and or recommend to you. Check our shop page for more outdoor products and travel deals.
We always try to travel minimally and to use as many Eco-friendly and recycled products as possible. Our planet is our home, and, therefore, we must protect it and keep it clean.
Please consider using products that will reduce the numbers of plastic bags, bottles, and packages. For instance, buy a reusable shopping bag; use a reusable filter water bottle; buy a bamboo toothbrush, instead of a plastic one. Small steps, but a big change for the world! Imagine all people on this planet stop using plastic bags and bottles. Wouldn’t be so much better for the environment?
What other travel products and accessories do you pack when traveling? What cameras do you use to take photos and videos on your travels? Share with us your tips for packing in the comments below.
Happy Packing,
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Great lists! I really need the women’s sandals. Thank you for writing this awesome list!
Thank you, Shany!
This is a great extensive list of what to pack. I’m not a dressy person so I typically only bring 1 dressier outfit just in case, and the makeup stays home. It is so much easier to pack more items since the invention of the packing cubes. Best creation ever! I wear Vosque hiking boots and absolutely love them, but I agree, good hiking boots are a must!
Thank you for your comment, Kelly! I agree with you about the packing cubes, one of the best travel accessories out there! Good hiking shoes are indeed a must if you plan to hike/walk during your travels.
Those backpacks looks great for hiking. I have a collection of backpacks piling up so I’ll have to check these ones out too!
Thanks, Krista! I am obsessed with Osprey backpacks! Check them out
I’ve got most of these, but I don’t have a lifestraw yet! I was literally just thinking about how I need one the other day. This is a great reminder for me to add that to my own backpack ASAP.
Thanks for your comment, Aireona! LifeStraw saved us a few times during our travels to exotic places! It is an awesome product for everyday use.
This is so brilliant! Thank you for putting everything in this very detailed and comprehensive post! I should get a pair of sandals like that… i remember breaking my walking shoes and have to borrow from my sister something like that.. and boyyyy they were so comfy to walk in! I’m so amazed with people who can fit everything in a backpack and travel with it! I have little luck fitting my stuff in one! Haha!
Tourist sandals are one of our favorite travel shoes and we recommend buying a pair when visiting warm places. Thanks for your kind words, Hazel! Traveling minimally is hard but it’s much easier when you’re heading to exotic destinations with a backpack.
O.K. I have to admit, I’ve never been able to get on board with the Lifestraw. I am ALL for fewer plastic bottles, but I am just not convinced on how the straw can do what it says it does… have you ever actually drank out of rivers or ponds with it?
Hey, Caitlin, to be honest, I haven’t tried it in ponds and rivers, but I used it a lot for pouring water from questionable sinks in Cambodia and Malaysia. I haven’t had any stomach problems during the 3 months in SE Asia and I believe this bottle helped too!
Such a cute list! The items are both essential and aesthetically appealing. Personally I’m all about the packing cubes!
Thank you very much for your comment! The packing cubes are lovely, aren’t they?
I always love reading about what other people pack for their travels! I really need those hiking boots and lightweight towels.
Merrell Women Hiking Shoes are a very good choice for hiking boots! I’ve been wearing them on a few hikes so far, and I love how they feel on my legs. Thanks for your comment!
Great tips for backpackers! Love the bamboo toothbrush, will def get one for myself
Thank you, Lerato! The Bamboo toothbrush is a great eco-friendly alternative to the plastic ones. We’ve been using for a few years now and they’re great in quality.
It was really cool to see what you have on your backpack! My husband never travels without his money belt.
Thanks, Disha! I also used a money belt when we were in traveling in Asia. I forgot to put it on the list here 🙂 Thanks for reminding me!
Great list! It took me so long to get a micro fiber towel and I immediately wished I hadn’t waited so long. Best investment ever.
Thanks, Tayler! Yes, the microfiber towels DO save a ton of space in your backpack and I recommend everyone getting one when traveling.
Some great products here that I always travel with too! I highly recommend a Lifestraw Go and packing cubes. I can usually just fit all clothing into one which is incredible for space. Also leggings, rain cover for my backpack and a harddrive are a must! Such a comprehensive list!
Thank you for your comment, Travelling Tam! Yes, the filter water bottle is a must when visiting places with not so clean drinking water. The packing cubes are as well my favorite for organizing luggage in my backpack.
What a great comprehensive list. I really need a pair of those women’s sandals. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your comment, Tina! The tourist sandals are one of my favorite shoes when exploring places.
I love packing lists! They’re always so handy! You gave some great tips and some gear I could use!! Thanks for sharing!
I am glad you find my travel packing list useful, Kelsey! Thanks for your comment!